Malta Gaming Authority narrows Recognition Notice reforms

The final framework will treat B2B and B2C holders differently, and the regulator has acknowledged that some requirements may need changes to the existing rules. 

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has narrowed its planned reforms to the Recognition Notice (RN) framework. The framework lets companies operate in or from Malta under a gaming licence issued in another jurisdiction. The regulator announced the end of its consultation on 29 October 2026, and a Feedback Statement circulated privately to RN holders sets out what changed.

How the Recognition Notice framework works

Under the regime, a gaming licence from another EU or EEA member state can be recognised as having the same effect as an MGA authorisation. The same applies to a licence from any state the MGA considers to offer safeguards largely equivalent to Maltese law. Recognition covers both gaming services and gaming supplies.

Malta’s 2023 National Risk Assessment (NRA) assessed the RN framework for the first time and rated its residual money laundering risk as medium-high. That was higher than the medium rating given to both remote and land-based gaming.

Consultation launched in April

The MGA opened a targeted consultation on 29 April 2026. It said the proposals followed an internal review and were aligned with the NRA and Malta’s National AML/CFT Strategy 2024–2026. The aim was to tighten checks when an RN is first granted and to bring a more structured, proportionate approach to ongoing monitoring.

What changed after the consultation

In its 29 October announcement, the MGA said stakeholder feedback had led to several refinements. These were intended to keep the approach proportionate, risk-based, and practical for RN holders.

The Feedback Statement, dated 26 October, has not been published. NEXT.io, which obtained a copy, reported the following changes:

The MGA told NEXT.io:

‘Where appropriate, information may be requested through categories, ranges or thresholds, rather than requiring exact or highly granular data.’

Data collection and legal questions

The MGA plans to start collecting information under the new regime this year. The first round will cover the 2025 reporting period and apply only to B2C operators. The regulator also said it would not ask all existing RN holders to submit additional information at the same time.

Some stakeholders questioned whether the MGA has the statutory power to request certain information. The regulator acknowledged that some of the new requirements may require amendments to the existing framework. In the Feedback Statement, the MGA said:

‘The final framework will therefore adopt a more differentiated approach between B2B and B2C RN holders, place greater emphasis on risk-based engagement, and rely on targeted information gathering that supports clearly defined regulatory, policy and risk-assessment objectives.’

The MGA said it will share more detail on how specific requirements will apply in due course. It last revised its RN application and annual maintenance requirements in 2024.

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